Just Because…

I had an awesome summer, that doesn’t mean I didn’t face a few challenges with my hearing loss along the way! Of course, I encountered several difficulties! However, my advocacy skills have proven to be very helpful in navigating these situations. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive network of family and friends who always have my back, and I also utilize assistive listening devices, like a phone captioning app, to help me during phone calls.

At the HLAA Annual Convention in AZ.

Is there anything else I experienced? Yes, yes I did. This summer has been a transformative season as I navigated the challenges of hearing loss with resilience and determination. Each hurdle presented an opportunity for growth and adaptation, allowing me to discover new ways to connect with the world around me.

I explored various communication tools, from speech-to-text apps, including CaptionMate. These resources not only helped me engage more fully in conversations but also enhanced my ability to express myself. The effort I invested resulted in deeper connections with friends and family, who were supportive and eager to learn alongside me.

Attending social gatherings became a unique adventure. It’s still challenging to embraced the chance to convey my experiences to others, however, each time is better than the last time. This openness created an environment where everyone felt encouraged to share, resulting in richer dialogues and shared laughter despite any communication barriers.

Moreover, I discovered the importance of patience, both with myself and others. Each time I missed a word or needed clarification, I practiced mindfulness, reminding myself that communication is a two-way street. This perspective shifted how I approached conversations, emphasizing active listening and clarification rather than frustration.

I am Vice-President of my HLAA Chapter, which connects me with individuals facing similar experiences. Hearing their stories reinforced my own journey and provided invaluable insights into resilience and advocacy. We share strategies, celebrate victories, and collectively empower one another. I definetly know its because I have guarded myself with the knowledge, skills and the resources to better manage my hearing loss, and ready to learn more as I go!

I am chosing to live a VIBRANT lifestyle with hearing loss! One step at a time!